Harley-Davidson introducing electric powered children's bikes

Harley-Davidson has acquired a California company that makes electric bicycles for children.(Photo: StayCyc Inc.)

Striving to reach the youngest of customers, Harley-Davidson is introducing electric bicycles for children.

The world’s largest manufacturer of heavyweight motorcycles says it has acquired StayCyc Inc., of Temecula, California, and will have Harley-branded StayCyc "EDRIVE" bikes available this fall.

StayCyc, which entered the marketplace in 2016, has bikes with 12-inch and 16-inch wheels.

The 12-inch model “is the perfect choice for little rippers with little or no experience on a balance bike. Your child should have an inseam of 14” or more to adequately touch the ground with a slight bend in the knees for optimum sizing,” the company says on its website.

StayCyc's two-wheelers have a retail price of $649 to $699 and are sold in power sports dealerships including 29 Harley locations.

Harley-Davidson has said it’s spending hundreds of millions of dollars to stimulate growth through new motorcycles, including smaller bikes built through an alliance with an Asian manufacturer.

“The StayCyc team shares the same vision we have for building the next generation of riders globally, and we believe that together, we will have a significant impact in bringing the fun and enjoyment of riding to kids everywhere,” Heather Malenshek, Harley’s senior vice president of marketing, said in a news release.

In January, Harley said its first electric motorcycle in the company’s 116-year history was available for pre-order in the U.S.

Called LiveWire, it will be at Harley dealerships this fall with a suggested retail price of $29,799. The bike will be able to travel an estimated 110 miles on urban roads on a single battery charge, the company says.